An illustration I created in collaboration with Tiny Toaster Design studio as part of a project the studio was developing. The artwork was installed on a wall at the Dubai Founders HQ coworking space, as a large-format sticker.
The goal of the illustration was to depict the history, present, and future of Dubai (with an emphasis on the latter) in a dreamlike, surreal way. The central theme was the city’s rich architecture, from traditional elements (such as windows found in historic districts), through early high-rise buildings like the Burj Rashid (formerly the World Trade Centre Tower) — one of Dubai’s first skyscrapers completed in 1979 and a milestone in the city’s architectural development — to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
In the illustration, I wove in symbolism connected to important dates and facts significant for Dubai, such as 2nd December — UAE National Day, which marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971; the discovery of oil; the 828 m height of the Burj Khalifa; the inauguration dates of key buildings; and pearls, which were an economically vital resource in the region before oil was discovered.
The simple, dark silhouettes of figures in motion reference the fast pace at which the city lives, while also alluding to its multicultural character.
